The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the college cafeteria, casting a golden glow on the polished floors. Ruhi walked in with her usual confidence, her heels clicking against the tiles as she scanned the crowd. She spotted Abhi almost immediately-seated at their usual table, surrounded by his friends. But what made her stomach twist was the presence of Ishika beside him, laughing softly at something he said.
Ruhi took a deep breath, forcing a smile as she approached. Play it cool, she reminded herself.
"Good morning," she greeted, sliding into the seat next to Abhi as she subtly placed a hand on his arm, a casual claim of territory.
Abhi turned to her with an easy grin. "Hey, Ruhi. You're late today."
"I had some things to take care of," she replied smoothly, her eyes flickering toward Ishika. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Ishika met her gaze, her expression unreadable. "Abhi was just telling me about this charity event his family is hosting. It sounds wonderful."
Ruhi's nails dug into her palm. Oh, so now she's interested in his family events? "Oh, really?" she said, keeping her voice light. "Abhi usually finds those boring."
Abhi chuckled. "True. But this time, my parents actually asked me to be more involved. And Ishika had some great ideas on how to make it more engaging."
Ruhi's jaw tightened. "That's... nice."
Ishika smiled. "It is. It's a great opportunity to do something meaningful."
Ruhi resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Meaningful? Please. As if she's not just using this to get closer to him.
She turned to Abhi, her voice deliberately softer. "By the way, we still have plans for tonight, right? Just the two of us?"
Abhi hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. "Yeah, of course."
That hesitation-barely there but noticeable-sent a wave of irritation through Ruhi. She had to remind him? He should have reassured her instantly.
Ishika stood up, gathering her things. "I should get going. See you later, Abhi."
Ruhi watched her walk away, her perfect posture and elegant steps irritating her more than they should have. The moment Ishika was out of earshot, she turned to Abhi. "So... you're suddenly all buddy-buddy with her now?"
Abhi gave her a look. "She's nice, Ruhi. And honestly? She's not what I expected."
Ruhi forced a laugh. "Wow. You sound impressed."
"I wouldn't say impressed. Just... surprised."
Ruhi leaned in, her voice teasing but with an edge. "Careful, Abhi. You wouldn't want people to think you're actually enjoying your fiancée's company."
Abhi smirked but didn't respond immediately. Instead, he simply looked at her, as if he was trying to read something in her expression.
For the first time, Ruhi felt like she was losing control of the narrative. And she didn't like it one bit.
...to be continued...
Author's Note:
And so the game sharpens.
Ruhi walks into the scene like she owns it—but there's a new player now, one who doesn't even need to play dirty to rattle her. Ishika is the kind of quiet threat that doesn't have to flaunt power—because she already has it, cloaked in grace and sincerity. And Abhi? The once-predictable golden boy is becoming a little harder to read, his loyalties a little blurrier.
There's something tragic in watching someone like Ruhi—a girl who's always held the upper hand—start to feel the ground shift beneath her stilettos. Her grip on Abhi, once effortless, now requires strategy. Subtle claims. Carefully worded jabs. Calculated affection.
But the real question is: what happens when the mask slips?
This isn't just a love triangle anymore. It's a war of presence, of poise, of who holds the heart—and who holds the upper hand.
Stay close. The cracks are only just beginning to show.
—Your Author